Average health insurance premiums reach €1,902

The Health Insurance Authority also found that the number of people who have private health insurance has increased to 2.55 million

The health insurance market is largely dominated by three companies in Ireland with VHI Healthcare having the largest share of customers at 48.3%. Laya Healthcare has the next highest share at 27.9%, while Irish life has 20.2%. File picture

The cost of the average health insurance premium has now reached €1,902 following an average price increase of 9% over the course of last year, a new report by the Health Insurance Authority (HIA) has found.

This comes following a raft of premium price increases by health insurance providers over the last few years with additional price increases still to come over the coming months.

According to the HIA’s latest market bulletin for the last three months of 2025, there has been steady growth in the private health insurance market with 2.55 million people now holding private health insurance — an increase of 1.2% year-on-year.

However, despite more people paying for health insurance, there has been an average price increase of 9% through the course of the year. As of March 1, 2026, the average adult premium is €1,902.

As of the end of 2025, there were 328 inpatient plans available to consumers. Over the course of the year, 23 new plans were introduced, and 33 plans were retired.

Chief executive of the HIA Brian Lee said price increases “remain a challenge for many households”.

“We strongly encourage consumers to take the time to review their plans to see if they have the right cover for their needs and budget.”

“Even small adjustments, such as moving to a newer plan or considering a higher excess, can make a meaningful difference to cost, while still ensuring you have the cover that suits your needs.” 

Price rises

The health insurance market is largely dominated by three companies in Ireland with VHI Healthcare having the largest share of customers at 48.3%. 

Laya Healthcare has the next highest share at 27.9%, while Irish life has 20.2%. Level Health, a relatively new entrant into the market, had a 1% market share.

Health insurance premiums are set to increase even further next month as Laya Healthcare, Irish Life Health and Level Health have already announced price increases coming into effect in April.

Irish Life Health will increase premium prices by an average of 5.9% from April 1, while Level Health’s advanced plans will rise by €48 from April 3.

Irish Life Health said the increases reflect rising healthcare costs.

Laya Healthcare has indicated an average increase of 4.7% across 65 plans, equivalent to roughly €80 per adult per year which will come into effect from April 1.

VHI Healthcare also announced a price increase in January but this came into effect on March 1. Customers will see an average price increase of 3%.